Long Term Health Related Quality of Life After Acute Type B Aortic Dissection: a Cross Sectional Survey Study.

OBJECTIVE: Acute type B aortic dissection (ATBD) is a rare yet serious cardiovascular event that potentially has an impact on health related quality of life (HRQoL). However, long term follow up data on this topic are scarce. This study aimed to review the long term HRQoL among patients treated for ATBD. METHODS: In this multicentre, cross sectional survey study, consecutive treated patients with ATBD between 2007 and 2017 in four referral centres in the Netherlands were retrospectively included and baseline data were collected. Between 2019 and 2021 the 36 Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) was sent to all surviving patients (n = 263) and was compared with validated SF-36 scores in the Dutch general population stratified by age and sex. RESULTS: In total, 144 of 263 surviving patients completed the SF-36 (response rate 55%). Median (IQR) age was 68 (61, 76) years at completion of the questionnaire, and 40% (n = 58) were female. Initial treatment was medical in 55% (n = 79), endovascular in 41% (n = 59), and surgical in 4% (n = 6) of ATBD patients. Median follow up time was 6.1 (range 1.7-13.9; IQR 4.0, 9.0) years. Compared with the general population, patients scored significantly worse on six of eight SF-36 subdomains, particularly physical domains. Apart from bodily pain, there were no substantial differences in HRQoL between male and female ATBD patients. Compared with sex matched normative data, females scored significantly worse on five of eight subdomains, whereas males scored significantly lower on six subdomains. Younger patients aged 41-60 years seemed more severely impaired in HRQoL compared with the age matched general population. Treatment strategy did not influence HRQoL outcomes. Follow up time was associated with better Physical and Mental Component Summary scores. CONCLUSION: Long term HRQoL was impaired in ATBD patients compared with the Dutch general population, especially regarding physical status. This warrants more attention for HRQoL during clinical follow up. Rehabilitation programmes including exercise and physical support might improve HRQoL and increase patients' health understanding.

Expanding the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of ACTA2-related vasculopathies in a Dutch cohort.

PURPOSE: Heterozygous pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in the ACTA2 gene confer a high risk for thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections. This retrospective multicenter study elucidates the clinical outcome of ACTA2-related vasculopathies. METHODS: Index patients and relatives with a P/LP variant in ACTA2 were included. Data were collected through retrospective review of medical records using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 49 individuals from 28 families participated in our study. In total, 20 different ACTA2 variants were detected. Aortic events occurred in 65% of the cases (78.6% index patients and 47.6% relatives). Male sex and hypertension emerged as significantly associated with aortic events. Of 20 individuals, 5 had an aortic diameter of <45 mm (1.77 inches) at the time of the type A dissection. Mean age at first aortic event was 49.0 ± 12.4 years. Severe surgical complications for type A and type B dissection occurred in 25% and 16.7% of the cases and in-hospital mortality rates were 9.5% and 0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: P/LP ACTA2 variants are associated with an increased risk for an aortic event and age-related penetrance, which emphasizes the importance of early recognition of the disease. Caregivers should be aware of the risk for aortic dissections, even in individuals with aortic diameters within the normal range.

Normal imaging findings after ascending aorta prosthesis implantation on 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography with computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: To diagnose abnormal 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake in suspected endocarditis after aortic root and/or ascending aorta prosthesis (ARAP) implantation, it is important to first establish the normal periprosthetic uptake on positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT). METHODS: Patients with uncomplicated ARAP implantation were prospectively included and underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT at either 12 (± 2) weeks (group 1) or 52 (± 8) weeks (group 2) after procedure. Uptake on three different locations of the prosthesis ("cranial anastomosis (CA)," "prosthetic heart valve (PHV)," "ascending aorta prosthesis (AAP)") was scored visually (none/low/intermediate/high) and quantitatively (maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and target-to-background ratio (SUVratio). RESULTS: In total, 20 patients (group 1: n = 10, group 2: n = 10) (mean age 64±7 years, 70% male) were included. Both groups had similar visual uptake intensity for all measured areas (CA: mostly low-intermediate (16/20 (80%)), p = .17; PHV: low-intermediate (16/20 (80%)), p = .88; AAP: low-intermediate (19/20 (95%)), p = .48). SUVmax for CA was 5.6 [4.1-6.1] and 3.8 [3.1-5.9] (median [IQR], p = .19), and around PHV 5.0 [4.1-5.7] and 6.3 [4.6-7.1] (p = .11) for groups 1 and 2, respectively. SUVratio for CA was 2.8 [2.3-3.2] and 2.0 [1.7-2.6] (median [IQR], p = .07) and around PHV 2.5 [2.4-2.8] and 2.9 [2.3-3.5] (median [IQR], p = .26) for groups 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: No significant differences were observed between PET/CT findings at 3 months and 1 year after ARAP implantation, warranting caution in interpretation of PET/CT in the first year after implantation.

Rotational Thromboelastometry-Guided Transfusion Protocol to Reduce Allogeneic Blood Transfusion in Proximal Aortic Surgery With Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of a rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM)-guided transfusion protocol on the use of blood products, patient outcomes, coagulation factor concentrates, and costs. DESIGN: A single-center retrospective cohort study. SETTING: A tertiary university hospital. PATIENTS: Adults undergoing proximal aortic surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. INTERVENTION: ROTEM-guided transfusion protocol compared with clinically-guided transfusion. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Two hundred seventeen patients were included; seventy-one elective and 24 emergency patients in the clinically-guided group, and 59 elective and 63 emergency patients in the ROTEM-guided transfusion protocol group. In the ROTEM-guided transfusion protocol group, a significant reduction in transfusion of red blood cells (5 [3-8] v 2 [0-4], p < 0.001), platelet concentrate (2 [2-3] v 1 [1-2], p < 0.001), and plasma (1,980 mL [1,320-3,300] v 800 mL [0-1,000], p < 0.001) was seen in elective surgery. Emergency patients received fewer red blood cells (7 [5-10] v 5 [2-10], p = 0.040), platelet concentrate (3 [2-4] v 2 [2-3], p = 0.023), and plasma (3,140 mL [1,980-3,960] v 1,000 mL [0-1,400], p < 0.001). Prothrombin complex concentrate and fibrinogen concentrate were increased significantly in elective and emergency patients. The surgical reexploration for bleeding rate was decreased in elective patients 33.8% v 5.1%. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a ROTEM-guided transfusion protocol might have the potential to decrease blood product transfusion and may improve patient outcomes.

Optimal temperature management in aortic arch surgery: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: New temperature management concepts of moderate and mild hypothermic circulatory arrest during aortic arch surgery have gained weight over profound cooling. Comparisons of all temperature levels have rarely been performed. We performed direct and indirect comparisons of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) (≤20°C), moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA) (20.1-25°C), and mild hypothermic circulatory arrest (mild HCA) (≥25.1°C) in a network meta-analysis. METHODS: The literature was systematically searched for all papers published through February 2022 reporting on clinical outcomes after aortic arch surgery utilizing DHCA, MHCA and mild HCA. The primary outcome was operative mortality. The secondary outcomes were postoperative stroke and acute kidney failure (AKI). RESULTS: A total of 34 studies were included, with a total of 12,370 patients. DHCA was associated with significantly higher postoperative incidence of stroke when compared with MHCA (odds ratio [OR], 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-1.78) and mild HCA: (OR, 1.50, 95% CI, 1.14-1.98). Furthermore, DHCA and MHCA were associated with higher operative mortality when compared with mild HCA (OR 1.71, 95% CI, 1.23-2.39 and OR 1.50, 95% CI, 1.12-2.00, respectively). Separate analysis of randomized and propensity score matched studies showed sustained increased risk of stroke with DHCA in contrast to MHCA and mild HCA (OR, 1.61, 95% CI, 1.18-2.20, p value = .0029 and OR, 1.74, 95% CI, 1.09-2.77, p value = .019). CONCLUSIONS: In the included studies, the moderate to mild hypothermia strategies were associated with decreased operative mortality and the risk of postoperative stroke. Large-scale prospective studies are warranted to further explore appropriate temperature management for the treatment of aortic arch pathologies.

Safety and feasibility of hemodynamic pulmonary artery pressure monitoring using the CardioMEMS device in LVAD management.

BACKGROUND: There is a clinical need for additional remote tools to improve left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patient management. The aim of this pilot concept study was to assess the safety and feasibility of optimizing patient management with add-on remote hemodynamic monitoring using the CardioMEMS in LVAD patients during different treatment stages. METHODS: Ten consecutive patients accepted and clinically ready for (semi-) elective HeartMate 3 LVAD surgery were included. All patients received a CardioMEMS to optimize filling pressure before surgery. Patients were categorized into those with normal mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) (≤25 mmHg, n = 4) or elevated mPAP (>25 mmHg, n = 6), and compared to a historical cohort (n = 20). Endpoints were CardioMEMS device safety and a combined endpoint of all-cause mortality, acute kidney injury, renal replacement therapy and/or right ventricular failure at 1-year follow-up. Additionally, we investigated hospital-free survival and improvement in quality of life (QoL) and exercise tolerance. RESULTS: No safety issues or signal interferences were observed. The combined endpoint occurred in 60% of historical controls, 0% in normal and 83% in elevated mPAP group. Post-discharge, the hospital-free survival was significantly better, and the QoL improved more in the normal compared to the elevated mPAP group. CONCLUSION: Remote hemodynamic monitoring in LVAD patients is safe and feasible with the CardioMEMS, which could be used to identify patients at elevated risk of complications as well as optimize patient management remotely during the out-patient phase with less frequent hospitalizations. Larger pivotal studies are warranted to test the hypothesis generated from this concept study.

Multi-Omics Profiling in Marfan Syndrome: Further Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Aortic Disease.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm is a potentially life-threatening disease with a strong genetic contribution. Despite identification of multiple genes involved in aneurysm formation, little is known about the specific underlying mechanisms that drive the pathological changes in the aortic wall. The aim of our study was to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying aneurysm formation in Marfan syndrome (MFS). We collected aortic wall samples from FBN1 variant-positive MFS patients (n = 6) and healthy donor hearts (n = 5). Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels were measured by RNA sequencing and compared between MFS patients and controls, and between haploinsufficient (HI) and dominant negative (DN) FBN1 variants. Immunohistochemical staining, proteomics and cellular respiration experiments were used to confirm our findings. FBN1 mRNA expression levels were highly variable in MFS patients and did not significantly differ from controls. Moreover, we did not identify a distinctive TGF-ß gene expression signature in MFS patients. On the contrary, differential gene and protein expression analysis, as well as vascular smooth muscle cell respiration measurements, pointed toward inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Our findings confirm that inflammatory and mitochondrial pathways play important roles in the pathophysiological processes underlying MFS-related aortic disease, providing new therapeutic options.

Outcomes of different aortic arch replacement techniques.

BACKGROUND: Consensus on the best treatment for aortic arch pathology is unresolved due to an emerging variety of procedures. We aimed to compare the outcomes of two major techniques for open aortic arch replacement involving the supra-aortic branches and to identify the risk factors for specific adverse events. METHODS: Between 1974 and 2017, 172 patients were treated with either the en bloc (island, n = 59; 34.3%) or branched graft technique (n = 113, 65.7%). Most of the patients were treated in an emergent/urgent setting (52.4%). RESULTS: Patients who underwent the en bloc procedure had significantly shorter cardiopulmonary bypass (median: 241 vs 271 minutes, P = .041) and aortic cross clamp times (median: 124 vs 168 minutes, P = .005) than patients who underwent the separate graft technique. Overall, the hospital mortality was lower in the en bloc group, 8.5% vs 19.5%, although the difference was not significant (P = .077). No difference was found in the survival between the separate graft and en bloc groups at 1 (77.0 vs 86.3%), 5 (67.7 vs 66.3%) and 10 years (42.4 vs 51.3%), (P = .63). The postoperative stroke rate was comparable between the en bloc and separate graft cohorts (14.3 vs 19.6%, P = .52). Diabetics and those who underwent an elephant trunk procedure were at a higher risk for reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: The separate graft technique, which is more common today, showed no difference from the en bloc technique with regard to hospital mortality and morbidity. Furthermore, the late survival and reintervention rates were similar after both procedures.

Advanced CT acquisition protocol with a third-generation dual-source CT scanner and iterative reconstruction technique for comprehensive prosthetic heart valve assessment.

OBJECTIVES: Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a valuable tool for functional prosthetic heart valve (PHV) assessment. However, radiation exposure remains a concern. We assessed a novel CT-acquisition protocol for comprehensive PHV evaluation at limited dose. METHODS: Patients with a PHV were scanned using a third-generation dual-source CT scanner (DSCT) and iterative reconstruction technique (IR). Three acquisitions were obtained: a non-enhanced scan; a contrast-enhanced, ECG-triggered, arterial CT angiography (CTA) scan with reconstructions at each 5 % of the R-R interval; and a delayed high-pitch CTA of the entire chest. Image quality was scored on a five-point scale. Radiation dose was obtained from the reported CT dose index (CTDI) and dose length product (DLP). RESULTS: We analysed 43 CT examinations. Mean image quality score was 4.1±1.4, 4.7±0.5 and 4.2±0.6 for the non-contrast-enhanced, arterial and delayed acquisitions, respectively, with a total mean image quality of 4.3±0.7. Mean image quality for leaflet motion was 3.9±1.4. Mean DLP was 28.2±17.1, 457.3±168.6 and 68.5±47.2 mGy.cm for the non-contrast-enhanced (n=40), arterial (n=43) and delayed acquisition (n=43), respectively. The mean total DLP was 569±208 mGy.cm and mean total radiation dose was 8.3±3.0 mSv (n=43). CONCLUSION: Comprehensive assessment of PHVs is possible using DSCT and IR at moderate radiation dose. KEY POINTS: • Prosthetic heart valve dysfunction is a potentially life-threatening condition. • Dual-source CT can adequately assess valve leaflet motion and anatomy. • We assessed a comprehensive protocol with three acquisitions for PHV evaluation. • This protocol is associated with good image quality and limited dose.

Atrioesophageal Fistula after Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Epicardial Ablation for Lone Atrial Fibrillation.

Minimally invasive video-assisted epicardial beating heart ablation for lone atrial fibrillation claims to be safe and effective. We, however, report on three patients with an atrioesophageal fistula after this procedure. The exact pathogenesis of this complication is unknown. All patients presented around 6 weeks after surgery with either fever or neurological deficits. Diagnosis can be made by computed tomography scan. We advocate an aggressive surgical approach with closure of the atrial defect on cardiopulmonary bypass and closure and reinforcement of the esophagus with an intercostal muscle flap in a single-stage surgery. Some caution as to the low-risk character of this procedure seems to be realistic.

Valve Dehiscence after Bentall Procedure: The Detrimental Traits of Propionibacterium.

The present case exemplified the detrimental traits of prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Propionibacterium acnes. As a baby, the patient had a congenital cardiac defect with truncus arteriosus type I with interrupted aortic arch and open ductus Botalli, and had undergone several operations. However, at 18 months after a Bentall procedure performed 29 years later he presented with major prosthetic dehiscence due to endocarditis. The patient underwent a high-risk reoperation for a re-do Bentall procedure and was treated postoperatively with intravenous antibiotics consisting of vancomycin for five weeks and penicillin and rifampicin each for six weeks. He was discharged from hospital in good clinical condition. In conclusion, P. acnes-mediated endocarditis of a prosthetic valve can be successfully treated with prompt surgery and antibiotic therapy.

Influence of the Outflow Graft Angular Position on the Outcomes in Patients With a Left Ventricular Assist Device.

This study aimed to explore the potential impact of the angular position of the outflow graft on thromboembolic events and aortic valve regurgitation in people with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). We analyzed contrast computed tomography (CT) data of patients with LVAD implantation between 2016 and 2021. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the outflow graft and aortic arch were performed to calculate the horizontal (azimuth) angle and vertical (polar) angle, as well as the relative distance between the outflow graft, aortic valve, and brachiocephalic artery. Among 59 patients (median age 57, 68% male), a vertical angle ≥107° correlated significantly with increased cerebrovascular accidents (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-26.3, p = 0.022) and gastrointestinal bleeding (HR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.0-11.2, p = 0.049) during a median 25 month follow-up. No significant differences were found between the vertical angle and aortic valve regurgitation or survival. The horizontal angle and relative distance did not show differences regarding clinical adverse events. This study emphasizes the importance of the LVAD outflow graft angular position to prevent life-threatening thromboembolic events. This study suggests the need for prospective research to further validate these findings.

Aortic arch branching variations and risk of cerebrovascular accidents in patients with a left ventricular assist device.

AIMS: This retrospective study investigated the association between anatomical variations in the aortic arch branching and adverse events, including the risk of cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), in patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). METHODS: Medical charts were reviewed for all patients with HeartMate 3 LVAD support at our center from 2016 to 2021. Computed tomography scans were evaluated to categorize the variations in the aortic arch branching based on seven different types, as described in the literature. RESULTS: In total, 101 patients were included: 86 (85.1%) with a normal branching pattern and 15 (14.9%) with an anatomical variation. The following variations were observed: eight (7.9%) with a bovine arch and seven (6.9%) with a left vertebral arch. The median age was 57 years, 77.2% were men, and the median follow-up was 25 months. No difference was found in the rate of early (< 30 days) re-exploration due to bleeding after LVAD implantation. The rate of CVA and mortality did not differ significantly between patients with a normal arch or an anatomical variation during follow-up, with hazard ratios of 1.47 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48-4.48; P = 0.495] and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.24-1.98; P = 0.489), respectively. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study showed no differences in early and long-term adverse events, including CVA, when comparing patients with a variation in the aortic arch branching to patients with a normal aortic arch. However, knowledge of the variations in aortic arch branching could be meaningful during cardiac surgery for potential differences in surgical events in the perioperative period.

The proprotein convertase FURIN is a novel aneurysm predisposition gene impairing TGF-ß signaling.

AIM: Aortic aneurysms (AA) frequently involve dysregulation of transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß)-signaling in the aorta. Here, FURIN was tested as aneurysm predisposition gene given its role as proprotein convertase in pro-TGF-ß maturation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rare FURIN variants were detected by whole-exome sequencing of 781 unrelated aortic aneurysm patients and affected relatives. Thirteen rare heterozygous FURIN variants occurred in 3.7% (29) unrelated index AA patients, of which 72% had multiple aneurysms or a dissection.FURIN maturation and activity of these variants were decreased in vitro. Patient-derived fibroblasts showed decreased pro-TGF-ß processing, phosphorylation of downstream effector SMAD2 and kinases ERK1/2, and steady-state mRNA levels of the TGF-ß-responsive ACTA2 gene. In aortic tissue, collagen and fibrillin fibers were affected. One variant (R745Q), observed in 10 unrelated cases, affected TGF-ß signaling variably, indicating effect modification by individual genetic backgrounds. CONCLUSION: FURIN is a novel, frequent genetic predisposition for abdominal-, thoracic-, and multiple aortic or middle sized artery aneurysms in older patients, by affecting intracellular TGF-ß signaling, depending on individual genetic backgrounds.

Male-Female Differences in Acute Type B Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Acute type B aortic dissection is a cardiovascular emergency with considerable mortality and morbidity risk. Male-female differences have been observed in cardiovascular disease; however, literature on type B aortic dissection is scarce. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including all consecutive patients with acute type B aortic dissection between 2007 and 2017 in 4 tertiary hospitals using patient files and questionnaires for late morbidity. In total, 384 patients were included with a follow-up of 6.1 (range, 0.02-14.8) years, of which 41% (n=156) were female. Women presented at an older age than men (67 [interquartile range (IQR), 57-73] versus 62 [IQR, 52-71]; P=0.015). Prior abdominal aortic aneurysm (6% versus 15%; P=0.009), distally extending dissections (71 versus 85%; P=0.001), and clinical malperfusion (18% versus 32%; P=0.002) were less frequently observed in women. Absolute maximal descending aortic diameters were smaller in women (36 [IQR: 33-40] mm versus 39 [IQR, 36-43] mm; P<0.001), while indexed for body surface area diameters were larger in women (20 [IQR, 18-23] mm/m2 versus 19 [IQR, 17-21] mm/m2). No male-female differences were found in treatment choice; however, indications for invasive treatment were different (P<0.001). Early mortality rate was 9.6% in women and 11.8% in men (P=0.60). The 5-year survival was 83% (95% CI, 77-89) for women and 84% (95% CI, 79-89) for men (P=0.90). No male-female differences were observed in late (re)interventions. CONCLUSIONS: No male-female differences were found in management, early or late death, and morbidity in patients presenting with acute type B aortic dissection, despite distinct clinical profiles at presentation. More details on the impact of age and type of intervention are warranted in future studies.

Phenotypic spectrum of the SMAD3-related aneurysms-osteoarthritis syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysms-osteoarthritis syndrome (AOS) is a new autosomal dominant syndromic form of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections characterised by the presence of arterial aneurysms and tortuosity, mild craniofacial, skeletal and cutaneous anomalies, and early-onset osteoarthritis. AOS is caused by mutations in the SMAD3 gene. METHODS: A cohort of 393 patients with aneurysms without mutation in FBN1, TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 was screened for mutations in SMAD3. The patients originated from The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and USA. The clinical phenotype in a total of 45 patients from eight different AOS families with eight different SMAD3 mutations is described. In all patients with a SMAD3 mutation, clinical records were reviewed and extensive genetic, cardiovascular and orthopaedic examinations were performed. RESULTS: Five novel SMAD3 mutations (one nonsense, two missense and two frame-shift mutations) were identified in five new AOS families. A follow-up description of the three families with a SMAD3 mutation previously described by the authors was included. In the majority of patients, early-onset joint abnormalities, including osteoarthritis and osteochondritis dissecans, were the initial symptom for which medical advice was sought. Cardiovascular abnormalities were present in almost 90% of patients, and involved mainly aortic aneurysms and dissections. Aneurysms and tortuosity were found in the aorta and other arteries throughout the body, including intracranial arteries. Of the patients who first presented with joint abnormalities, 20% died suddenly from aortic dissection. The presence of mild craniofacial abnormalities including hypertelorism and abnormal uvula may aid the recognition of this syndrome. CONCLUSION: The authors provide further insight into the phenotype of AOS with SMAD3 mutations, and present recommendations for a clinical work-up.

Autograft and pulmonary allograft performance in the second post-operative decade after the Ross procedure: insights from the Rotterdam Prospective Cohort Study.

AIMS: The objective of the present study was to report our ongoing prospective cohort of autograft recipients with up to 21 years of follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: All consecutive patients (n = 161), operated between 1988 and 2010, were analysed. Mixed-effects models were used to assess changes in echocardiographic measurements (n = 1023) over time in both the autograft and the pulmonary allograft. The mean patient age was 20.9 years (range 0.05-52.7)-66.5% were male. Early mortality was 2.5% (n = 4), and eight additional patients died during a mean follow-up of 11.6 ± 5.7 years (range 0-21.5). Patient survival was 90% [95% confidence interval (CI), 78-95] up to 18 years. During the follow-up, 57 patients required a re-intervention related to the Ross operation. Freedom from autograft reoperation and allograft re-intervention was 51% (95% CI 38-63) and 82% (95% CI 71-89) after 18 years, respectively. No major changes were observed over time in autograft gradient, and allograft gradient and regurgitation. An initial increase of sinotubular junction and aortic anulus diameter was observed in the first 5 years after surgery. The only factor associated with an increased autograft reoperation rate was pre-operative pure aortic regurgitation (AR) (hazard ratio 1.88; 95% CI 1.04-3.39; P= 0.037). CONCLUSION: We observed good late survival in patients undergoing autograft procedure without reinforcement techniques. However, over half of the autografts failed prior to the end of the second decade. The reoperation rate and the results of echocardiographic measurements over time underline the importance of careful monitoring especially in the second decade after the initial autograft operation and in particular in patients with pre-operative AR.

Male-Female Differences in Ascending Aortic Aneurysm Surgery: 25-Year Single Center Results.

The aim of this study was to improve insight into male-female differences in patients undergoing ascending aortic aneurysm surgery. Consecutive patients that underwent ascending aortic aneurysm surgery between January 1991-December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient and procedural characteristics, 30-day mortality, and survival were compared between male and female patients. Multivariable Cox-regression analysis was performed to explore differences in factors associated with long-term mortality. Of 631 included patients, 36% were female patients. They were older (66 (55.9-72.9) vs 56 (44.1-67.3) years, p < 0.001), had a higher logistic EuroSCORE (12 (8-17) vs 8 (5-12), p < 0.001), and underwent concomitant arch surgery more often (74% vs 54%, p < 0.001). Aortic diameter (5.5 (5.0.6.5) vs 5.5 (5.0-6.0) cm, p = 0.025) and Aortic Size Index (3.15 (2.80-3.65) vs 2.70 (2.42-3.00) cm/m2, p < 0.001) were larger in female patients. Early mortality was 0.9% in female patients and 2.0% in male patients (p = 0.51). Adjusted 15-year survival was comparable between male and female patients. Multivariable Cox-regression did not identify an independent association between female sex and mortality. In males a larger aortic diameter (HR1.38 per centimeter increase, 95%-CI 1.03-1.85, p = 0.003) was an independent factor associated with mortality, and in female patients a larger BSA (HR0.08 per 1kg/m2 increase, 95%-CI 0.01-0.49, p = 0.007) was an independent risk-reducing factor. Female patients presented at older age and with more advanced disease. Increased awareness for ascending aortic pathology and timely referral may result in better preoperative profiles in female patients. This may improve outcomes after ascending aortic aneurysm surgery.

Mechanical Device Malfunction of the HeartMate II Versus the HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device: The Rotterdam Experience.

Mechanical device malfunction remains a known issue in left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). We investigated the incidence of mechanical device malfunction in the HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 LVADs. We conducted a retrospective study of all HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 LVADs implanted in our center. We evaluated major malfunction, potential major malfunction, minor malfunction, and need of device exchange. In total, 163 patients received an LVAD; in 63 (39%) a HeartMate II, and in 100 (61%) a HeartMate 3, median support time of respectively 24.6 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 32.4) and 21.1 months [IQR: 27.2]. Mechanical device malfunction, consisting of both major and potential major malfunction, occurred significantly less in the HeartMate 3 patients with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.37 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15-0.87, p = 0.022). Major malfunction alone occurred significantly less in HeartMate 3 patients with a HR of 0.18 (95% CI: 0.05-0.66, p = 0.009). HeartMate 3 patients had a significantly decreased hazard of a pump or outflow graft exchange (HR 0.13, 95% CI: 0.08-0.81, p = 0.008). System controller defects occurred significantly less in HM 3 patients ( p = 0.007), but battery-clips defects occurred significantly more in HM 3 patients ( p = 0.039). Major device malfunction including pump or outflow graft exchange occurred significantly less in HeartMate 3 compared to HeartMate II, while minor malfunctions were similar. Periodical assessment of the technical integrity of the device remains necessary during long-term LVAD support.